Risa Uchinami, a popular announcer formerly with TBS, has left the station to pursue personal interests and will make her first public appearance on YouTube's 'ReHacQ' immediately after her departure.
On March 12, 2025, Uchinami announced her retirement from TBS, where she had built her career after joining the network in 2015 following her graduation from Keio University. Known for her work on programs like 'NEWS23' and 'Hiruobi,' she had established herself as a prominent figure, particularly during her years covering sports news.
Despite the high-profile nature of her job, Uchinami expressed her desire to prioritize her personal life, stating, "I want to value my lifestyle more," during her farewell comments. The announcement came shortly after her marriage to a banker—who is two years her junior—in December 2023.
Fans anticipating her post-retirement activity faced disappointment when she chose to appear on 'ReHacQ,' hosted by former TV Tokyo producer Hiroki Takahashi, just one day after leaving TBS. 'ReHacQ' has rapidly gained popularity, amassing over 1.3 million subscribers, but has also received criticism for its controversial content and connections to political figures.
Uchinami's candid discussion about her challenging working hours seemed to resonate with her audience. She shared anecdotes from her days at TBS, detailing her grueling schedule where she often worked late and managed only 2 to 3 hours of sleep regularly.
Reflecting on the physical demands of her job, Uchinami revealed, "Back when I was in my 20s, I could handle it, but now I feel differently after marrying my husband." She recounted her typical day at work, which often involved flying to various locations and returning home at the early hours of the morning, squeezing barely any sleep before starting the next day's work.
The backlash against her choosing 'ReHacQ' for her first post-retirement venture stemmed from its reputation. The internet program previously featured former announcer Yuri Kawakita, who faced backlash for controversial comments about men's body odor. Her appearance after the controversy led to criticism directed at the program and its producers.
Despite the public disappointment, Uchinami's fans and industry insiders remain intrigued by her future plans. She has indicated her intention to pursue game commentary as part of her freelance career, potentially tapping back to her previous popularity as a gamer.
Critics of 'ReHacQ' have taken aim at the program's increasingly political content, noting recent appearances by various politicians, including those associated with controversies. Some viewers are concerned about the direction of the channel as it continues to blend entertainment with politically charged discussions.
Uchinami’s move to 'ReHacQ' may reflect broader shifts within the media industry, where traditional platforms are becoming increasingly entwined with new media channels. The transition may be seen as part of the generational shift, as younger audiences gravitate toward digital-first content.
The response from her fanbase remains mixed. Some express disappointment over her selection of 'ReHacQ,' questioning whether it could detract from her reputation built over years at TBS. Nevertheless, Uchinami has promised her followers to maintain her authenticity and continue to evolve her presentations creatively.
After her quick emergence on the YouTube channel, Uchinami faces the challenge of reconciling her former TBS persona with the new roles she will occupy as she explores her interests more freely and privately.
While her career shift marks the end of one chapter, it may also signify the start of something new, filled with opportunities for her to express herself beyond the confines of traditional broadcasting.